Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

"I'm not… I'm not a hero."

Bernice was overwhelmed, surrounded by grateful civilians. As a support Valkyrie, she wasn't used to this kind of attention.

After the Coral Island incident, the Snow Lotus squad had received accolades. Among them, Bernice had been the center of attention. But her fellow Valkyries had been respectful, maintaining a professional distance.

Now, looking at the relieved faces of the people she had saved, a strange emotion welled up inside her.

Saving civilians, protecting the world, fighting the Honkai—wasn't this a Valkyrie's duty?

They needed hope. They needed saving... just like her.

Bernice stopped resisting and let them cheer. She understood now—they needed an outlet for their relief, and at this moment, she was that outlet.

But she knew the true heroes were elsewhere. She herself had been saved, and she needed to express her gratitude.

Once the rescue teams arrived, she quietly slipped away.

...

Leaving the airport, Bernice ran.

She didn't know where Kiana and Ren had gone, but she had a feeling she could catch up.

Luckily, her intuition was right. After ten minutes, she spotted them.

...

"Shenzhou's cuisine is incredibly diverse compared to Europe. When I was in school, Fu Hua-sempai often brought me local delicacies. She always complained I ate too much, but she still brought food for everyone on missions."

Ren and Kiana walked towards Mount Taixu. Their casual pace was faster than most vehicles.

The streets were lined with food stalls. The aroma of various dishes filled the air.

"Growing up, I mostly ate rations from Siberia. I never imagined there was so much delicious food in the world. I even made a wish to try every dish in Shenzhou… but I only managed a small fraction before leaving school."

Ren slowed his pace. "Kiana, what do you think of Fu Hua?"

"Well, she seems strict at first, always carrying a lot on her shoulders. But she's actually very kind. She acts aloof because she's been through so much and doesn't want to hurt anyone.

You might not believe this, but she's lived for a very long time. I hacked into Heliopolis Life Sciences' database in ARC City. It contained records of her life, spanning millennia.

I thought it was just someone who looked like her, but she confirmed it was her. I've only lived for a short time, yet I've experienced so much. Imagine what she's gone through in thousands of years.

I didn't understand her at first, but after ARC City, I realized she was always protecting me."

As Kiana spoke, a warm piece of sesame candy appeared before her. She instinctively took it, popping it into her mouth.

"This time, I'll bring her back, no matter what. I want her to know I'm strong enough now. She doesn't need to bear my burdens anymore."

She finished the candy, licking her lips. The sweet, nutty flavor lingered. She looked at Ren, who now held several pastries.

"Ren? When did you buy all this…?"

"When we entered this street."

Kiana tried to remember, but couldn't. She only recalled Ren slowing down as they entered the street filled with food stalls.

"So you brought me here on purpose?"

"Well… I checked this city's information on the plane. The airport incident caused a slight delay, but it seems we arrived just in time for lunch."

Ren offered her a Feng cake, a local specialty of the Mount Taixu region.

He planned this, knowing I'd be hungry?

Kiana took a bite, realizing she was being fed. She blushed slightly, quickly finishing the cake.

"A different flavor."

"Don't worry, I bought a little of everything. I can't let you try every dish in Shenzhou, but at least you can experience this region's flavors. Besides, we need to eat before we look for a way to wake up Fu Hua."

Herrschers could withstand hunger. Kiana could go days without food, but the pastries had awakened her appetite. Her stomach rumbled.

She blushed again, opening her mouth slightly. Ren, understanding, offered another pastry.

Ren's power reduced their presence, making them practically invisible to ordinary people.

"Wait!"

A female voice called out just as Kiana was about to take another bite. She quickly closed her mouth, pretending to be eating the pastry already in her hand.

She turned to see the Valkyrie girl from the airport.

Kiana had saved many people; she didn't remember Bernice.

"Is something the matter?"

"Huff… huff…"

Bernice caught her breath. She couldn't understand how she had struggled to keep up with their casual pace. If they hadn't stopped, she would never have caught them.

She snapped to attention, performing a perfect salute, then bowed deeply.

"Thank you for saving me and everyone else! Retired Valkyrie Bernice, reporting!"